Citigroup files lawsuit against AT&T

Newyork: Citigroup Inc sued AT&T Inc yesterday, saying the phone company’s use of “thanks” and “AT&T thanks” in a new customer loyalty programme infringed its trademark rights to the phrase “thankyou.”

The lawsuit may threaten the business relationship between two of the largest U.S. companies, which Citigroup said dates to at least 1998 when they launched the AT&T Universal Card.

In its complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Citigroup said it has since 2004 used “thankyou” extensively in promoting its own customer loyalty and reward programs, including credit cards co-branded with AT&T.

But the New York-based bank, the nation’s fourth-largest by assets, said the “AT&T thanks” programme launched on June 2 will likely confuse consumers, and irreparably damaged its goodwill and reputation associated with the “thankyou” trademarks it uses for various banking services.

Citigroup also said Dallas-based AT&T asked the U.S. government in April to register an “AT&T thanks” trademark despite knowing the bank’s concerns.

AT&T’s infringement was “knowing, intentional, and willful,” and forced Citigroup to sue to protect its rights, the complaint said.

The lawsuit seeks to stop AT&T from using the phrases “thanks” and “AT&T thanks” in its programmes and marketing. It also seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages.

AT&T spokesmen did not immediately respond to requests for comment.